What they really need is a three-hole hitter who can play the position. Yes, like Josh Hamilton. But don't worry about the Rangers even if Hamilton doesn't return. They have plenty of money and talent throughout their system, plus a front office that knows how to best use assets — even if it's taking longer than the rest of baseball would like.

My advice: Re-signing Hamilton and trading for R.A. Dickey or James Shields makes more sense than overpaying Zack Greinke and acquiring Justin Upton. If the Rangers manage either of those scenarios, though, pencil them in at the top of the A.L. West.

They filled their other openings with shortstop Yunel Escobar and first baseman James Loney, who aren't likely to instill fear in many pitchers. So you can see why the Rays must move a starter for a real bat.

Forget prospect Wil Myers. DH of the Year Billy Butler of the Kansas City Royals should be the Rays' aim in a Shields trade. Put Butler behind Evan Longoria, and with all their pitching the Rays would be as strong as any team in the A.L. East. Butler's salary shouldn't be a deterrent, with an affordable wage for the next two seasons.

Girardi knows finding an accomplished game-caller is more crucial — and difficult — than plugging the A-Rod hole or finding a right fielder. The problem is the cost for the best catcher now available, A.J. Pierzynski, doesn't fit the budget plans of the suddenly thrifty Yankees.

This hole is half-filled because if Adam LaRoche doesn't return, Mike Morse can move in from left field. A case can be made that would be the team's best move. Any way you size it, the Nationals are operating with a healthy supply of money and talent. They're already the pick to win the N.L. East.

Martin Prado can play third base or left field, just not both at the same time. Having Prado, however, affords GM Frank Wren plenty of flexibility in his search for what essentially is Chipper Jones' replacement. The Braves should be wary of the fuss being made over Dexter Fowler, though. He's a .248 career hitter outside of Coors Field.

Deeming Mark Reynolds unworthy of $11 million was mildly surprising considering his commendable glove work and power. But if the Birds can land LaRoche, dumping Reynolds quickly will be forgotten. Bringing back Reynolds at a reduced salary could work, too.

After their storybook 2012 season, the A's could pluck someone from a San Mateo rec league and he probably would work out. Just not as well as Stephen Drew or Japanese veteran Hiroyuki Nakajima, the best available free-agent candidates. How SN Executive of the Year Billy Beane fills this hole should be as intriguing as any hot-stove storyline this side of Hamilton and Greinke.

Dusty Baker's club hasn't had anyone score 100 runs out of the leadoff spot since Pete Rose, which is why Michael Bourn is an ideal fit. Well, except for Bourn's quest for a nine-figure contract. Finances could force the Reds to stay in-house with shortstop Zack Cozart, Drew Stubbs or Chris Heisey in leadoff — but even the Reds hierarchy seems ready to move on.

They could go with prospect Jean Segura, acquired from the Angels in the Greinke deal, but Segura would benefit from more time in the minors. Maybe the Brewers could get Alex Gonzalez to return at a discount to hold the spot, but a 35-year-old coming off season-ending knee surgery figures to be limited.